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Broadcast system, and its distribution device and terminal deviceBroadcast system, and its distribution device and terminal device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080069521, Broadcast system, and its distribution device and terminal device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2006-253297, filed Sep. 19, 2006; and No. 2007-197897, filed Jul. 30, 2007, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]1. Field of the Invention [0003]The present invention relates to a broadcast system which distributes a digital broadcast signal via an Internet Protocol (IP) network, and its distribution device and terminal device. [0004]2. Description of the Related Art [0005]In digital broadcasting, including terrestrial digital broadcasting, there exist low-signal-strength areas just as with analog broadcasting. As a countermeasure, a system to transmit a broadcast signal not by radio but through a wired line is needed. [0006]In digital broadcasting, whole items of information to be transmitted are digitized and video information, audio information, data information, and program information consisting of the broadcast signal is multiplexed as digital information to be transmitted. Therefore, as for the countermeasure for the low-signal-strength areas of the broadcast signal, it is possible to use the existing digital network, transmit the broadcast signal as a digital signal, and distribute it to viewers in the low-signal-strength areas. [0007]Therefore, a relay device which converts the received broadcast signal into IP packets to distribute it via an IP network as a multicast is proposed (e.g., refer to Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication 2004-23600). [0008]However, in the case of use of a cable digital network, because an information transmission band of a subscriber accommodation part is limited especially, if the broadcast signal is digitized as it is to be transmitted, a problem, such that sufficient quality cannot be obtained and a large number of channels cannot be freely viewed, occurs. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009]It is an object of the invention to provide a broadcast system, and its distribution device and terminal device capable of assuring sufficient quality and distributing a broadcast signal even in a limited information transmission band in a subscriber accommodation part. [0010]According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broadcast system which distributes a broadcast signal in which program contents and program information concerning the program contents are multiplexed to an arbitrary terminal device on a network by a distribution device, wherein the distribution device comprises an providing unit which provides the broadcast signal; a separation unit which separates the program contents and the program information from the broadcast signal provided by the providing unit; a program contents distribution unit which converts the program contents separated by the separation unit into Internet Protocol packets and sets a first connection to the terminal device via the network to distribute the packets; and a program information distribution unit which converts the program information separated by the separation unit into Internet Protocol packets and sets a second connection differing from the first connection to the terminal device to distribute the packets, and the terminal device comprises a program contents reception unit which sets the first connection via the network to receive the program contents to be distributed; a program information reception unit which sets the second connection via the network to receive the program information to be distributed; a reproduction unit which reproduces the program contents received by the program contents reception unit; a memory which stores the program information received by the program information reception unit; and an output unit which receives an output request for the program information and reads out the corresponding program information from the memory to output it. [0011]In the aforementioned configuration, the distribution device separates program contents such as video/audio/data information and program information such as electronic program guide (EPG) from the broadcast signal, converts each of them into IP packets, respectively, then, distributes the IP-packetized program contents and program information by setting different connections for them, respectively. Thereby, since a band relevant to the transmission of the program contents can be saved, even in the limited information transmission band of the subscriber accommodation part, the distribution device becomes able to transmit the video/audio/data information, etc., that are the program contents with sufficient quality. [0012]Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING [0013]The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [0014]FIG. 1 is a preferred block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast system regarding the first embodiment of the invention; [0015]FIG. 2 is a preferred view illustrating examples of IP packets of a broadcast signal to be transmitted in the broadcast system of FIG. 1; [0016]FIG. 3 is a preferred block diagram illustrating a configuration on a transmission side of a broadcast system regarding the second embodiment of the invention; [0017]FIG. 4 is a preferred block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast system regarding the third embodiment of the invention; [0018]FIG. 5 is a preferred block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast system regarding the fourth embodiment of the invention; [0019]FIG. 6 is a preferred block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast system regarding the fifth embodiment of the invention; [0020]FIG. 7 is a preferred block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast system regarding a sixth embodiment of the invention; Continue reading about Broadcast system, and its distribution device and terminal device... Full patent description for Broadcast system, and its distribution device and terminal device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Broadcast system, and its distribution device and terminal device patent application. Patent Applications in related categories: 20090290853 - Method for reproducing data recorded on an interactive recording medium in conjunction with associated auxiliary data - A method for reproducing data recorded on an interactive recording medium in conjunction with associated auxiliary data is disclosed. 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